Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship
Our Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship offers employers a cost-effective way to develop both mechanical and electrical engineering expertise within their workforce. This pioneering programme focuses on developing skills, knowledge and behaviours, working on engineering challenges in the workplace, delivering real-time benefits to employers.
Fact file
| Qualification |
BEng (Hons) Electro-mechanical Engineering and Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship Certificate
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| Duration |
Five years (not including the end-point assessment)
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| Delivery |
Block release and blended learning
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| Entry requirments |
At least Grade B in A level Mathematics (or equivalent), and two additional A levels at Grade B (or equivalent). The following A levels are not accepted: Citizenship Skills, General Studies and Critical Thinking.
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Relevant engineering BTEC qualification, preceding level apprenticeship or equivalent demonstrable work experience in the occupational area. We strongly recommend contacting our Employer Engagement Team to discuss the suitability of this programme for your staff.
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| Other requirments |
Apprentices must be working in a job role that provides opportunities to learn the skills, knowledge, behaviours outlined in the Level 6 Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship standard (external link). Apprentices must be supported to carry out off-the-job training.
Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language (or equivalent) Grade 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent).
Apprentices who do not provide a suitable Level 2 English certificate, and do not hold an appropriate English language equivalent qualification from this list, will also need to provide an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) result that is dated within the last two years. The minimum requirement for this programme is an overall score of 6.0, with no less than a 5.5 in each of the individual elements. The university’s policy around this can be found here.
Please note the apprenticeship route is only available to UK/EU/EEA nationals or apprentices that have lived and have had a right to work in the UK for three years or more and work a minimum of 50% of their time in England.
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| Start dates |
September 2024
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| Application closing date |
Mid-July 2024
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| Programme cost |
£27,000. Programme costs are paid by the employer who may be eligible for funding, there is no cost to the apprentice.
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| Campus |
University Park, Nottingham
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| Department |
Faculty of Engineering
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Find out more about our Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship directly from out programme team, with our on-demand information webinar.
Apprenticeship overview
Designed with industry, our Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship offers businesses a cost-effective way to develop exceptional employees. Suitable for upskilling existing employees or attracting new talent, the programme offers strong retention and recruitment incentives by offering employees the opportunity to gain a world-class degree, without debt.
Electro-mechanical Engineer apprentices will develop knowledge, skills and behaviours, working on real engineering challenges in their workplace, contextualising their learning in real-world application.
The Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship develops the skills, knowledge and behaviours required by engineers working in a range of functions across a broad range of industries.
Who is the Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship for?
The programme offers businesses a cost-effective way to attract and develop new talent or upskill existing staff. Candidates may come from a range of educational pathways including preceding level apprenticeships, A-levels or equivalent qualifications or work experience. As well as developing new recruits the apprenticeship offers existing employees an opportunity to take the next step in their career or formalise their skills and knowledge.
Apprentices must be employed in a job role that provides opportunities to learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the Level 6 Electro-mechanical Engineer Apprenticeship Standard. They must also work at least 50% of their time in England.
We acknowledge that apprentices will come to this programme from a variety of educational backgrounds and job roles. For example, some apprentices may have more experience in electrical or mechanical engineering. We work with each apprentice to determine their level of existing skills and knowledge and build a learning plan to provide the support they require to meet the apprenticeship standard.
Programme details
The Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship is delivered by block release via blended learning, with each year further building on the apprentice’s knowledge and skills. The programme is typically delivered over five years* at which point successful apprentices will be awarded a BEng (Hons) Electro-mechanical Engineering Degree and progress onto a gateway review and end-point assessment to complete their Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship.
All apprentices must undertake the end-point assessment (EPA) which is a synoptic assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to ensure apprentices meet the standard set by employers and are occupationally competent.
*If employees work part-time the programme length maybe extended
Modules
Year one
Electrical and Electronic Devices and Circuits
This module provides an introduction to electronic devices and circuits. Apprentices will develop the knowledge and skills to design, measure and analyse simple analogue circuits involving DC and AC signals, resistors, capacitors and inductors.
Mathematics for Apprentice Engineers (Part 1)
Apprentices will gain confidence and competence in a range of fundamental mathematical techniques utilised by electro-mechanical engineers.
Analytical and numerical integration methods are introduced, as well as basic differential equations, and vector algebra applied to lines and angles. Complex numbers and basic concepts of probability and statistics are also covered.
Mechanics and Design
Apprentices are introduced to the essential attributes that modern engineers should possess. This includes hands-on problem solving to design and develop solutions to posed engineering challenges, practical-based projects and teamwork, self-learning, and information presentation.
Apprentices will be introduced to the basic concepts and practice of design and manufacture. This will include the process of design, supported by practical design activities, and 2D and 3D modelling using relevant Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages. Design theory will be coupled with the understanding of fundamental laws of static and dynamic mechanical systems.
Programming Skills
Apprentices will develop their skills in, and awareness of, the use of programming techniques and basic computer modelling methods appropriate to their field of study.
The module aims to reinforce the mathematical knowledge and techniques studied in previous modules, and includes:
- Data structures and formats
- Plotting of graphical data
- Programming structure and style
- Relational and logical operators
- Conditional statements and loops
- User I/O and data import/export
- Simple file handling
Applied Engineering and Professional Skills
Apprentices will begin to develop the soft skills to complement their technical knowledge, including:
- implementing effective learning and time management strategies
- written and oral communication
- appropraite use of information technology in the context of electro-mechanical engineering
Apprentices will also complete a work-based project, agreed upon between the apprentice, their employer and the university. This will enable apprentices to work towards solving an engineering challenge in their place of work, delivering real-time value to the employer.
Year two
Mathematics for Apprentice Engineers (Part 2)
This module introduces a range of fundamental mathematical techniques and builds on prior learning. It includes:
- the calculus of a single variable, extended to develop techniques used in analysing engineering problems
- techniques for solving selected first-order and second-order differential equations
- the algebra of complex numbers to provide a key mathematical tool for analysis of linear mathematical and engineering problems
- the complexity of solving general (large) systems of equations
Materials and Manufacturing
Apprentices will be introduced to the properties of materials, the main failure mechanisms which a designer will be concerned with and the core high and low-value manufacturing processes used in engineering applications.
Information and Systems
Apprentices will learn the fundamental concepts of signals, analogue and digital systems and will be introduced to analogue devices and communication, gaining a theoretical grounding in these topics.
Software Engineering
Apprentices will be taught the skills required to design, develop, validate and verify code solutions applied to engineering systems.
Apprentices will be introduced to key concepts, including:
- Functional safety
- Cyber vulnerability
- Machine learning
- Data handling considerations
- Security Data analytics
- Systems architecture
Design, Make and Test for Apprentice Engineers
The Design, Make and Test module will span over two years (two and three) and will further develop apprentices’ ability to solve engineering problems, applying knowledge gained in other modules. The module will cover both electrical and mechanical content and will focus on two work-based challenges – one in each year. These could be separate or sequential projects.
Year three
Mechatronics
This module covers the key concepts of computer software and hardware with particular reference to their practical use in the control of machines via mechatronics.
Apprentices will develop efficient, tested, quality code based on best practice and will learn effective code maintenance and documentation. They will also learn about the connection of computers to real-world mechanical systems via analogue and digital interfaces, sensors and actuators, and how to write code which interfaces to mechanical systems, demonstrating best practice in software engineering.
Statics, Dynamics and Mechanisms
Apprentices are introduced to fundamental concepts and principles of solid mechanics and dynamics, and their applications to mechanical engineering systems and mechanisms.
This introductory module covers analysis methods applicable to engineering design including:
- review of basic mechanics: vectors, units, forces and moments,Newton’s laws.
- static equilibrium: force and moment analysis in design; frictional forces.
- free body diagrams and pin-jointed structures.
- shear stress and torsion of shafts
- Beam theory
- linear and rotational motion: displacement, velocity and acceleration, relationship between angular and linear motion.
- linear and angular momentum work, energy and power, including kinetic & potential energy, and energy storage mechanisms.
- linear mechanism: springs, levers, links, and pulleys.
- rotational mechanisms: universal joints, gears, and cams.
- static and dynamic balancing.
Power, Energy and Machines
This module provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts related to the use of power and energy in today's electrical engineering world.
It will introduce the principles and properties of electrical circuits (DC and AC) and apprentices will develop tools commonly used to analyse their operation. These tools will then be used to illustrate the general design and behaviour of real-world electrical power systems, including issues associated with the integration of renewable energy systems and the challenges faced in developing future power systems. The basic principles of electromagnetic systems will also be introduced and used to illustrate the operation and design of transformers and electrical machines.
Thermodynamics
Apprentices will look at thermodynamics and their applications to engineering problems.
Topics covered include:
- the first and second law of thermodynamics.
- core thermodynamic concepts, system types and the application to engineering systems.
- basic power cycles and their thermodynamic analysis (steam, gas turbine and reciprocating internal combustion engine).
- modern power plants (including refrigeration and heat pump plants).
Design, Make and Test for Apprentice Engineers (continued)
The Design, Make and Test module will span over two years (two and three) and will further develop apprentices’ ability to solve engineering problems, applying knowledge gained in other modules. The module will cover both electrical and mechanical content and will focus on two work-based challenges – one in each year. These could be separate or sequential projects.
Year four
Mechanics of Solids
Apprentices will be introduced to more advanced topics in linear elastic solid mechanics, plasticity and failure. They will learn relevant analysis methods for material behaviour and demonstrate the application of these methods to the design of engineering components.
Fluid Dynamics
This module introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of fluid dynamics and their application to engineering problems. Areas covered include:
- properties of fluids.
- hydrostatics.
- continuity, Euler and Bernoulli equations.
- the steady flow energy equation momentum flows including linear momentum, friction factors & pipe flows
- different fluid flow types and the application to turbo machinery and hydraulics: laminar and turbulent flow, boundary conditions, drag and friction and compressible flow.
Systems and Control
Apprentices will be introduced to the design and implementation of closed loop feedback control systems and their applications.
Team Electro-mechanical Project
Apprentices will undertake a year-long project in a team. Based with their employer but working collaboratively with other apprentices who are likely to be working with different employers and potentially in different engineering job roles. The project will involve both on and off-the-job learning, developing new and existing skills and knowledge.
Engineering Management (Business Management)
Apprentices will build upon project management experience, gained during previous modules, to develop the toolkit of skills needed by modern engineering managers to effectively lead projects and teams.
Topics covered include:
- how sustainability is assessed and lifecycle assents are constructed.
- how health, safety and ethics are maintained.
- the construction and monitoring of the elements of an engineering or business programme.
- impact of digitisation and automation of operations management.
- planning and control.
- financial planning, accounting and analysis.
- quality management.
- marketing.
- new business formation and business models.
- management of people.
- the foundations of contract law.
Year five
Future Engineering Technology
This module focuses on contextual engineering concepts with a look to the future, and advancements in the field of engineering.
Themes covered will include innovation, new technology and sustainability.
Advanced Computational Methods
Apprentices will develop an understanding of the mainstream computer modelling techniques used in modern engineering practice (including Finite Element techniques and Computational Fluid Dynamics).
BEng Project
For their final module, apprentices will deliver a detailed project; the assessment will include a dissertation and a presentation. The project aims to give experience in the practice of engineering approaches at a professional level and involves planning, execution and reporting of a programme of work. This will normally involve a mixture of experimental, theoretical, computational methods and analysis, the balance of which will be decided with their employer in advance. This project aims to deliver an outcome of significant value to the employer.
Gateway
Once the apprentice has completed all of their on-programme learning, a meeting will take place between their employer and the university. During this meeting, the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed to determine whether they have met the minimum requirements set out in the Electro-mechanical Engineer Apprenticeship standard. Apprentices deemed to have met these requirements will progress onto the End-Point Assessment (EPA).
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
The final part of the apprenticeship is the end-point assessment. The end-point assessment requires apprentices to demonstrate that their learning can be applied in the real world. Apprentices will undertake a knowledge test, submit a report on their work-based project and take part in a professional discussion assessment.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may be changed, renamed, reorganised or or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course programme due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments, staffing changes or changing demands of industry. The University shall ensure that modules and programme continue to adhere to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) required of the applicable Apprenticeship Standard, which are fundamental to any programme of delivery. This content was last updated on Tuesday 12 September 2023.
Why choose a degree apprenticeship?
As an employer, a degree apprenticeship is an excellent way to demonstrate a commitment to your new and existing employees’ learning and professional development. The Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship provides employers with a route to tackle industry and business skills gaps by investing in graduate-level electro-mechanical engineering skills development, enabling employees to develop in-depth knowledge, skills and confidence to drive the innovation abilities of your organisation in years to come.
For the apprentice, the benefits of choosing this route are many:
- There are no tuition fees
- You can earn while you learn
- You will be developing practical skills and formalising your knowledge and qualifications
Why choose the University of Nottingham?
The University of Nottingham is a pioneering university providing an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience for its 45,000 students. Built on the ethos that education can unlock potential and transform lives, our graduates are among the most sought-after in the UK.
Our Faculty of Engineering is ranked in the top 10 in the UK by research power. The Departments of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are also ranked in the top 15 of The Guardian University Guide 2021. Working together, we equip your apprentices with the core knowledge, skills and behaviours your industry needs to compete and succeed at the highest level.
Benefits of Apprenticeships at Nottingham
Supporting your strategic priorities
We work with local, regional and national businesses to understand strategic priorities and challenges. We develop specialist programmes that cost-effectively address industry skills gaps.
Increase productivity
Develop knowledge, skills and professional behaviours in your workplace with programmes that are backed by world-leading research. We are ranked eighth in the UK for research power with 97% of our research recognised internationally (REF 2014).
Attracting and retaining talent
Ranked 103 in the world (18 in the UK) out of more than 1,000 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and part of the Russell Group, we support you to attract, develop and retain exceptional talent, whether new recruits or your existing workforce. Our apprenticeships offer exceptional early and mid-career employees the prospect of a world-class degree without the debt.
Build networks
Develop your business networks, apprentices study alongside employees from other leading businesses. We have over 270,000 alumni in 190 countries, many of whom hold positions of influence all over the world. Our staff and students benefit from continuous investment in a world-class environment, which includes award-winning campuses and unrivalled facilities in both the UK and Asia.
Careers and professional development
Invaluable to career progression, this degree apprenticeship will enable apprentices to demonstrate expertise within the scope of both electrical/electronic and mechanical engineering. Successful completion of the degree apprenticeship programme will enable apprentices to demonstrate their skills as autonomous Electro-mechanical Engineers able to lead engineering projects within their workplace.